Return to Shangri-la

 Makati Shangri-La rises again

BY POCH EULALIA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• ‘Makati Shangri-La, Manila is an iconic landmark that has long been woven into the rich history of Makati City. For the past three decades, the hotel has provided a tranquil sanctuary within the city’s bustling business district.’

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WELCOME BACK! Makati Shangri-La has reopened its iconic halls to the public

It was at the height of the pandemic when the news of Makati Shangri-la ceasing its operations broke out. What a mighty blow it was, to see such a prestigious facility that had been providing top-notch service since 1993 close its doors. Imagine then, the warmth it brings within, to hear the words “welcome back” from hotel staff upon arriving at a pre-opening lunch just days before it formally opened its doors to the public on August 8.

As soon as you stepped into the lobby, you would feel like revisiting an old friend, feeling an immediate warmth rush over you. Without the expected hustle and bustle that comes with a five-star hotel, walking along its then-empty halls felt peaceful. One can only imagine how lively it will be once people start walking through its doors once more.

TASTE OF THE SEAS Tuna tartare consisting of tuna, romesco sauce,
burnt eggplant, and pickled cauliflower

RAISING THE STEAKS Westholme Wagyu Ribeye served with creamy
mashed potatoes, onion jam, and a watercress salad

FAR OUT, RAGOUT Pappardelle pasta dish with ragout Angus beef,
beef tongue, and pecorino cheese

For lunch, a special treat was prepared at Shangri-la’s signature Sage Grill. What started it off was a delight of tuna tartare, soft and delicate and buttery, followed by a generous serving of pappardelle pasta tossed with a ragout Angus beef sauce and topped with pecorino cheese. The main course was a juicy Westholme Wagyu ribeye steak paired with creamy mashed potatoes, a sweet onion jam, and a watercress salad. Finishing it all off, a plate of mint pannacotta plus raspberry sauce and various berries. It was a tremendous lunch that provided a brilliant taste of what was to come as Makati Shangri-la prepared for the relaunch of its dining establishments as well. 

Mouthwatering thoughts enter the mind when thinking about Shang Palace and its revamped menu. It will consist of eight new signature dishes designed to showcase the very best of Cantonese cuisine. Other dining establishments such as Circles Event Café and Sage Bar are also expected to return, offering guests a wide array of options that will cater to their cravings.

DINE WITH ELEGANCE Shang Palace specializes in Cantonese delights that will surely bring a gastronomic high

Present at the lunch were Makati Shangri-la hotel manager Udo Wittich and vice president of operations in the Philippines and general manager John Rice.
Both were lively fellows who spoke highly of the new services and features Makati Shangri-la had been working on during its hiatus. One example is the first-of-its-kind Horizon Club Business Room. It’s designed to provide business travelers with an enhanced in-room workshop that provides the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and functionality. Standout features include the Omnidesk, an adjustable standing table paired with an ergonomic chair, and fuss-free modern electronics featuring dual-screen 4K monitors, speakerphones, mobile stands, and fast- charging cable adaptors. It’s enough to make remote work feel like a breeze.

John Rice, vice president of operations (Philippines) and general manager, and Udo Wittich, Makati Shangri-la hotel manager

Another thing Makati Shangri-la has been working on is its recharged commitment to sustainability and community impact. Included in its plans for sustainability is a shift to using wooden key cards, reducing the use of single-use plastics, forgoing single-use toiletries, and starting a garden-to-table approach with produce. Plans of a garden at Makati Shangri-la’s patio aim to cultivate herbs and vegetables for use in certain food and beverage offerings. A partnership has also been penned with the University of Makati to provide internships and potential full-time employment opportunities for students enrolled in the university’s Hospitality Management program.

LUXURIOUS COMFORT A relaxing stay at the Horizon Club Deluxe Room is perfect for the traveler who
demands added personalized attention and services

“Makati Shangri-La, Manila is an iconic landmark that has long been woven into the rich history of Makati City. For the past three decades, the hotel has provided a tranquil sanctuary within the city’s bustling business district,” said Udo. “The reopening symbolizes a fresh beginning for Makati Shangri-La, Manila. It presents us a unique opportunity to provide guests with refreshed experiences and colorful joys of life that span our accommodations, dining destinations, and even in the ways we work with our community.” 

Luxury is only one reservation away! Call (+632) 8813 8888 or email reservations.makati@shangri-la.com. Email dining.makati@shangri-la.com for dining reservations.

Magnitude 5.2 quake rocks DavOr town

RALPH LAWRENCE G. LLEMIT, SunStar Davao

A MAGNITUDE 5.2 earthquake struck Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental on Wednesday morning, August 9, 2023.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the earthquake jolted the town at 8:57 a.m.

The tectonic quake had a depth of 39 kilometers.

The quake was felt at Intensity 4 in Malita, and Santa Maria in Davao Occidental; and Governor Generoso, and San Isidro in Davao Oriental.

Intensity 3 was felt in Compostela in Davao de Oro; Digos City, and Hagonoy in Davao del Sur; Don Marcelino, and Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental; Glan, and Malungon in Sarangani; and Tupi, South Cotabato.

It was felt at Intensity 2 in Maragusan, and Mawab in Davao de Oro; Tagum City, Davao del Norte; Kiblawan, and Santa Cruz in Davao del Sur; Davao City; Mati City, and Tarragona in Davao Oriental; Arakan, and Kidapawan City in Cotabato; Alabel, and Malapatan in Sarangani; Tampakan, South Cotabato; and Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat.

Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; Magsaysay, Davao del Sur; Koronadal City, and Polomolok in South Cotabato; and General Santos City, meanwhile, felt the earthquake at Intensity 1.

Instrumental intensities:

Intensity 3 - Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental; Pikit, Cotabato; and Malungon, Sarangani

Intensity 2 - Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; Matanao, Davao del Sur; Davao City; Kidapawan City, Cotabato; Kiamba, Sarangani; Koronadal City, and Tampakan in South Cotabato; and General Santos City

Intensity 1 - Magsaysay, Davao del Sur; Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental; Alamada, and Magpet in Cotabato; Malapatan, Sarangani; Polomolok, South Cotabato; President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat; and Bislig City, Surigao del Sur

The reported intensity was based on reports of people who felt the earthquake, while instrumental intensity is measured using an intensity meter that measures ground acceleration. (RGL)

K-pop group Girls’ Generation’s Sunny leaves SM Entertainment after 16 years

BY JONATHAN HICAP

  

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Sunny, a member of K-pop group Girls’ Generation, has left her agency, SM Entertainment, after 16 years. 

SM Entertainment confirmed Sunny’s departure from the company.  

"The exclusive contract between Sunny and the company has ended. We would like to express our gratitude to Sunny, who has been with the company for a long time and showed wonderful activities, and ask for your support for the new path Sunny will walk in the future,” the agency said. 

Sunny (left) and Girls' Generation (Instagram)

Sunny is the niece of Lee Soo-man, the founder of SM Entertainment. Lee Soo-man and SM Entertainment had a conflict earlier this year. Lee sold his stake in SM Entertainment to HYBE Corp. 

In an Instagram post, Sunny wrote, “I am writing this because I wanted to say thank you for the 16th anniversary of Girls' Generation's debut.”  

“Looking back, there are so many people I'm thankful for over the past 16 years. The precious members who are like different versions of myself, our loving family, staff members who were by our side, and fans who gave us strength just by their existence,” she said. 

Sunny expressed gratitude to SM Entertainment for her debut in Girls’ Generation. 

“Today, I would like to express my gratitude and greetings to SM Entertainment for helping 19-year-old Lee Soon-kyu debut as Sunny of Girls' Generation,” she said. 

She added, “I'd like to thank all the managers who worked so hard during the 16 years of promotions, thank you to all the staff who helped us give positive energy to many people through various stages and contents with good music and good performance.”

“I can't be happier every day because I debuted with Girls' Generation with the members and met Sones,” she said. 

According to her, “Now I muster up my courage to see myself in a new environment from a different perspective. It is thanks to the interest and affection of the fans who have been unchanging for a long time and the people who are grateful.” 

“No matter what kind of days come, we will continue to move forward with a Sunny-like image of vitality. I will become a Sunny who shares good news in the future,” she said. 

Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun, Sooyoung and Tiffany left SM Entertainment in 2017. 

Sunny debuted in Girls’ Generation in August 2007. 

Filipino youth: You have a purpose, don’t let anyone step on your dream

Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano on Tuesday encouraged Filipino college graduates to embrace their “unique selling point” as they join the workforce, saying God made them “for a special purpose.”

“In navigating this world, remember you’re unique… Everything about you, hinandmade ng Panginoon ‘yan. May ipapagawa sa’yo,” Cayetano told hundreds of college graduates of the Southville International School and Colleges in his speech during their commencement exercises on August 8, 2023.

The commencement exercise was also attended by Former Senator Francis Pangilinan and SISC’s Chairman of the Board Dr. Peter P. Laurel.

 The senator, whose leadership is based on Christian faith and values, urged the graduates to listen to what their “heart and mind" are saying and not to be swayed by negative opinions.

“Don’t let anyone step on your dreams and tell you na y’ung special purpose mo wala doon,” he told them. “We are fractions in one whole. Iba-iba ang talent natin. Just like an orchestra, iba-iba ang talent natin.”

Cayetano also said education is important in fulfilling their unique purpose because it is where they get trained, acquire new skills, and hone their talents.

 He urged them to get their parents’ and religious leaders’ support for their passion, even though they may sometimes find themselves disagreeing with them. He said their elders only desire to “preserve” them and protect them from the harsh realities of the world.

He challenged the graduates to continue learning and to “personally discover” how “seeking God’s Kingdom and righteousness” leads to the fulfillment of their personal goals in life. 

Cayetano also expressed hope in the next generation, saying they hold the future of the country in their hands. “We, the senators, are excited to see what the future holds for you,” he said. ###

More nations express concern over China's 'dangerous' actions in West Philippine Sea

By Bernadette E. Tamayo

August 8, 2023 1000

FRANCE, Germany, and South Korea have joined five other nations in expressing deep concern over "dangerous" actions by the China Coast Guard (CCG) that raised tensions in the South China Sea (SCS).

The United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and Canada on Monday slammed the water bombing of Philippine vessels by the CCG last August 5 while on a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. The European Mission in Manila also echoed their concern.

The Embassy of South Korea in Manila, in a statement on Tuesday, raised concern over the recent use of water cannons against the Philippines Coast Guard vessels in the SCS.

The Embassy has reaffirmed its support for peace, stability, and rules-based order in the SCS, as an "important international sea lane of communications."

It also supports the "freedom of navigation and overflight based on the principles of international law, including Unclos (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)."

The German Embassy in Manila is concerned by the "dangerous maneuvers and use of water cannons by Chinese Coast Guard vessels against a lawful Filipino resupply mission within the Philippine's own exclusive economic zone (EEZ)."

Germany, through its embassy here, urged all parties "to respect the rules-based international maritime order," particularly Unclos, "with the 2016 Arbitral Award at its center."

On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines and invalidated China's expansive "nine-dash line" policy in the SCS which encroached the Philippines' EEZ.

"In light of recent events, Germany stresses that disputes must be resolved peacefully not by force or coercion," the embassy said.

The Embassy of France, in a statement, expressed "deep concern about the dangerous maneuvers carried out by Chinese coast guard vessels in the South China Sea."

It reiterated its support for international law and Unclos, as it cited the "decision handed down by the Court of Arbitration in 2016 concerning the South China Sea."